528

Pageviews last month

April 30, 2017

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: USCIS 60-Day Notice Of The Comment Period On Revis...

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: USCIS 60-Day Notice Of The Comment Period On Revis...: USCIS 60-day notice of the comment period on revisions to Form I-864,  Affidavit of  Support Under Section 213A of the INA, as wells as For...

USCIS 60-Day Notice Of The Comment Period On Revisions To Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

USCIS 60-day notice of the comment period on revisions to Form I-864,  Affidavit of 
Support Under Section 213A of the INA, as wells as Forms I-864A,  I-864EZ, and I-864W. 

Comments are due 5/15/17. (82 FR 13650, 3/14/17) 

 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 

 [OMB Control Number 1615-0075] 

 Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, Form I-864; Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, Form I-864A; EZ Affidavit of Support Under Section 213 of the Act, I-864EZ; Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support Exemption, I-864W. 

 AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-day notice.

Arrests of Undocumented Immigrants Went Up During President's Trump First 100 Days


Arrests of undocumented immigrants, both with and without criminal convictions, are up in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration when compared to last year.

According to statistics provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a total of 35,147 arrests were made between January and March of 2017, up from 26,471 made in the first three months of 2016. The agency did not break down the statistics from Jan. 20 on, but the numbers they have provided to TIME show the Trump Administration is following through on its promise to crackdown on illegal immigration.

In his  "contract with the American voter," President Trump made a number of promises related to curbing illegal immigration, from funding the border wall to removing “the more than 2 million criminal illegal immigrants” from the United States. The president promised to get started on those measures and dozens more within his first 100 days in office

April 18, 2017

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: MAY 2016 BULLETIN VISA

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: MAY 2016 BULLETIN VISA: LAW OFFICES OF NORKA M. SCHELL, LLC 11 Broadway, Suite 615 New York, New York 10004 Tel. (212)564-1589/ (973)621-9300 Website: ww...

MAY 2016 BULLETIN VISA

LAW OFFICES OF NORKA M. SCHELL, LLC

11 Broadway, Suite 615
New York, New York 10004
Tel. (212)564-1589/ (973)621-9300
                                                                  


FAMILY SPONSORED IMMIGRATION


A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;
B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.
Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.
Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.
A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED
     PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)
Family-
Sponsored 
All Chargeability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-mainland 
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES 
F108DEC1008DEC1008DEC1015JUN95 01FEB06
F2A15JUL1515JUL1515JUL1522JUN1515JUL15
F2B01OCT1001OCT1001OCT1001FEB9601AUG06
F315JUN0515JUN0515JUN0522JAN9522SEP94
F408MAY0408MAY0408SEP0301JUL9715OCT93
22MAR05
22MAR05
*NOTE: For May, F2A numbers EXEMPT from per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than 22JUN15. F2A numbers SUBJECT to per-country limit are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates beginning 22JUN15 and earlier than 15JUL15. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED
     VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.
Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 
Family-
Sponsored 
All Chargeability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland 
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES 
F122JUL1122JUL1122JUL1101APR9608SEP07
F2A08APR1608APR1608APR16 08APR16 08APR16
F2B01SEP1101SEP1101SEP1108AUG9622JUL07
F301DEC0501DEC0501DEC0501MAY9501FEB95
F415NOV0415NOV0422JUN0408JAN9808FEB95
5.  Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: 
EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES
First:  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.
Second:  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.      
Third:  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".
Fourth:  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.
Fifth:  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and 3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.
A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED
     PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)
Employ-
ment
based
All Charge-
ability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland 
born
EL SALVADOR
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES
1stCCCCCC
2ndC08FEB13C22JUN08CC
3rd15MAR17 01OCT1415MAR17 25MAR05 15MAR17  01JAN13
Other Workers15MAR17 08MAR0615MAR1725MAR0515MAR1701JAN13
4thCC15JUL15C15JUL15C
Certain Religious WorkersUUUUUU
5th
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
C01JUN14CCCC
5th
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
UUUUUU
*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category:  Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW cut-off date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002.
B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED
     VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.
Employment-
based
All Chargeability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland 
born
INDIAMEXICO PHILIPPINES 
1stCCCCC
2ndC01OCT1301FEB09 CC
3rdC01SEP1522APR06C01JUL14
Other WorkersC01JUN0822APR06C01JUL14
4thCCCCC
Certain Religious WorkersCCCCC
5th
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
C01SEP14CCC
5th
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
C01SEP14CCC

* Information extract from the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consulate Affairs at www.travel.state.gov. 



             

March 22, 2017

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: 2017 APRIL.BULLETIN VISA

IMMIGRATION AND POLICY BY NYC BUSINESS IMMIGRATION LAWYER - Phone (212) 564-1589: 2017 APRIL.BULLETIN VISA: LAW OFFICES OF NORKA M. SCHELL, LLC 11 Broadway, Suite 615 New York, NY 10004 Tel. (212)564-1589 / (973)621-9300 Website:  http...

2017 APRIL.BULLETIN VISA

LAW OFFICES OF NORKA M. SCHELL, LLC

11 Broadway, Suite 615
New York, NY 10004
Tel. (212)564-1589 / (973)621-9300



This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during April for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES
First: (F1) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.
Second: Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:
A. (F2A) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;
B. (F2B) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.
Third: (F3) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.
Fourth: (F4) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.
A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED
     PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)
Family-
Sponsored 
All Chargeability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-mainland 
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES 
F115OCT1015OCT1015OCT10 22MAY95 15JAN06
F2A08JUN1508JUN1508JUN15 22MAY1508JUN15
F2B15SEP1015SEP1015SEP1022DEC9515JUN06
F315MAY0515MAY0515MAY0508JAN9515SEP94
F408MAY0408MAY0415AUG0315JUN9708SEP93

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED
     VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a time frame justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.
Family-
Sponsored 
All Chargeability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland 
born
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES 
F101JAN1101JAN1101JAN1101JUN9501MAY06
F2A22NOV1522NOV1522NOV15 22NOV15 22NOV15
F2B08FEB1108FEB1108FEB1101JUN9601FEB07
F322AUG0522AUG0522AUG0501MAY9501JAN95
F401JUL0401JUL0401MAY0401DEC9701APR94

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES
First:  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.
Second:  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.      
Third:  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".
Fourth:  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.
Fifth:  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000 of which reserved for investors in a targeted rural or high-unemployment area, and 3,000 set aside for investors in regional centers by Sec. 610 of Pub. L. 102-395.
A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED
     PREFERENCE CASES
On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)
Employ-
ment
based
All Charge-
ability 
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland 
born
EL SALVADOR
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
INDIAMEXICOPHILIPPINES
1stCCCCCC
2ndC15JAN13C22JUN08CC
3rd15FEB17 15AUG1415FEB17 24MAR05 15FEB17  15SEP12
Other Workers15FEB17 01MAR0615FEB17 24MAR0515FEB17 15SEP12
4thCC15JUL15C15JUL15C
Certain Religious WorkersCC15JUL15C15JUL15C
5th
Non-Regional
Center
(C5 and T5)
C22MAY14CCCC
5th
Regional
Center
(I5 and R5)
C22MAY14CCCC

B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED
     VISA APPLICATIONS
The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.
The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.
* Information extracted from U.S. Visas Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs at www.travelstate.com